Take a guess on what I'm going to do? If you haven't figured it out yet, you're not that bright. I'm going to backpack Europe! That's right, like the millions of high-school grads before me, I'm going to backpack Europe.

While I am pretty much going for sure to Europe (barring any unforeseen illness, or sudden death), my plans are still a tad vague on what I will be actually doing. I'm going with a friend of mine from school (perhaps the only guy who I could have a good time with in a foreign land for that long).

He's of French extraction so he has experience traveling in Europe (I have very little having only gone to Italy once....last week).

Our plan is to start in France, move north to Belgium, and Netherlands, then heading to Germany, Czech Republic, and ending in Austria.


I have a few questions though.

Firstly, I'm well aware that Europe is a fairly safe place, but are there any countries on that list that are particularly dangerous and therefore I should avoid?

Second, Should I go to Ireland as well, and will Eurorail pass cover a boat ride to Ireland?

Thirdly, for six weeks in Europe, how many Euros would I need not including airfare, and eurorail pass which I deem as separate expenses.

Lastly, we also want to do some of the 'off the beaten path' exploring. Are there any places in those countries we should check out that aren't tourist traps. I loved going to Italy but I'm not one for crowds, so often I'm not into seeing the major sights that everyone goes for.

Any suggestions would be very helpful in my planning of this trip. Thanks in advance.

Im planning on doing the same thing next year so this thread is going to be pretty useful. also i live in ireland and to be honest were not worth visiting, theres nothing good to see and were all complete rascist assholes.

But Ireland has the beautiful rolling hills, all the craic, beautiful pubs, and nice redheads. How could I not visit.

if you want the traditional good old guinness drinking leprechaun ireland then go to the west of ireland.
on another point where in italy did you go ? im going to italy in two weeks but i havent decided exactely where to go. any suggestions ?

thanks

Also, which European countries have the best women? I'm told Czech Republic, Netherlands, Denmark, and Sweden have the best. Am I correct in this assumption?

I'm a big fan of West Slavic woman, so Poland, Czech Republic and Slovakia would probably be nice. But it all comes down to taste though, you'll find pretty people all over Europe. Except the UK of course.

You'll be able to get all kinds of weird beers.
You should set aside xtra money for that alone.

If you don't want to go to tourists traps just try to avoid the biggest cities.

For instance, don't go to Amsterdam in the Netherlands, hookers and coffeeshops and shitloads of clubs are also in other cities.

And to answer the question of safety, whole western europe is safe, eastern european countries are bit more sketchy. But the Czech Republic isnt bad as far as I know so those countries you listed are all good.

Sounds like fun!

I have nothing much to add, kinda envy you. Be carefull.
Go watch Hostel.
Take lots of pictures to post when you get back?